Tracking your shipment from China gives you peace of mind and helps you plan for delivery and manage your inventory. Instead of waiting in the dark, you can see exactly where your cargo is at every stage. In this guide from MESAMA, we walk you through how to track your shipment from China all the way to Jeddah Port, step by step.
What do you need to track a shipment?
- The bill of lading number (B/L number) or booking number.
- The name of the shipping line carrying your cargo.
- The container number for detailed, container-level tracking.
The stages of sea freight tracking
| Stage | Status |
|---|---|
| Booking and confirmation | Space confirmed on the vessel |
| Loading at the Chinese port | Cargo on board the ship |
| In transit | Shipment on the open sea |
| Arrival at Jeddah Port | Container discharged |
| Clearance and release | Customs clearance begins |
Tracking tools available to you
- The shipping line's website: enter your bill of lading or container number.
- Unified tracking platforms: these pull data from multiple shipping lines in one place.
- Freight forwarder updates: usually the most accurate and the fastest.
Why does the status sometimes lag?
- Time-zone differences between ports.
- Data is updated manually at some stages.
- Handling of LCL (less than container load) shipments, which require consolidation and deconsolidation.
MESAMA's tip
The best way to track a shipment is through a trusted freight forwarder who keeps you updated in real time. At MESAMA, we follow your shipment at every stage and notify you of any update right up to delivery, so you never have to chase down information yourself. Get in touch, or read our guide on shipping times from China to Saudi Arabia.